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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Congruent and Equal?

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The difference between congruent and equal lies in their geometric and mathematical meanings:

  • Congruent: Congruent figures have the same shape and size, but they may have different orientations or positions in space. In other words, one figure can be moved or flipped to exactly match the other figure's shape and size. Congruence refers to both the shape and size of a figure.
  • Equal: Equal figures have the same magnitude or size, but they may have different shapes. The concept of equality is concerned with the magnitude or size of an object, without regard to its shape. For example, the area of a triangle can be equal to the area of a square, but the shapes themselves are not congruent.

In summary:

  • Congruent figures have the same shape and size, regardless of their orientation or position in space.
  • Equal figures have the same magnitude or size, but they may have different shapes and orientations.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Congruent and Equal?
  • Comparative Table: Congruent vs Equal

    • Comparative Table: Congruent vs Equal

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between congruent and equal:

    Congruent Equal
    Refers to figures having the same shape and size in geometry Refers to mathematical expressions being equal in magnitude
    Two congruent figures are exactly the same, with the same shape and size Two equal figures have the same magnitude or size, but their shapes may differ
    Congruent figures have the same shape and size, but their orientations may differ Equal figures have the same magnitude or size, but their shapes and orientations may differ
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.